Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 August 2026

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Jokowi and JK Attend, Megawati Absent from MPR Annual Session

Former Presidents Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla attended the MPR Annual Session, while PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri was notably absent due to an unpostponable engagement. The session featured President Prabowo Subianto's state address on the performance of state institutions and the 81st Independence Day commemoration. Megawati's absence was confirmed by a senior party official, who indicated she would likely lead a separate flag ceremony at the party school on Independence Day.

Polda Metro Jaya Deploys 8,095 Personnel to Secure Public Activities

The Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Police have deployed 8,095 joint personnel to secure various public activities across the capital on Friday. The security operation covers events in Senayan, a national scout jamboree, and public demonstrations. Police emphasised a persuasive and humanist approach, with traffic management to be implemented situationally.

South Kalimantan Offers Up to 50 Percent Vehicle Tax Incentives

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is rolling out a fiscal incentive programme offering significant reductions on motor vehicle tax and title transfer fees. The policy, running from 14 August to 30 November 2026, includes a full waiver of administrative sanctions and discounts on the principal tax amount. The initiative aims to ease the public's tax burden while encouraging compliance and the re-registration of out-of-province vehicles.

Prabowo to Deliver 'Surprise' in Today's MPR Annual Session Speech

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to deliver his state address at the MPR Annual Session and present the 2027 State Budget draft today. The Minister of State Secretary has indicated that the President has prepared a 'surprise' for the speech. The annual session was moved forward to Friday, 14 August, as the original date of 16 August falls on a Sunday.

Palace Hints at Surprise in Prabowo's Speech: A Pity to Only See Snippets

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has urged the public to watch President Prabowo Subianto's full State Address, revealing that a 'surprise' has been prepared. He cautioned against relying solely on short video clips on social media to understand the President's message. The address is part of the MPR Annual Session and will include the delivery of the 2027 State Budget Bill and Financial Note.

IHSG Opens in Red Zone, Down Slightly 0.08% to 6,296 Level

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened slightly lower on Friday as investors awaited President Prabowo Subianto's State Address and the 2027 Budget Note. Market participants are also digesting the MSCI August 2026 Index Review, which saw no Indonesian stocks added to the Global Standard Indexes, keeping the country's market classification under scrutiny ahead of a more decisive evaluation in November.

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to Crack Down on Illegal or Harmful Umrah Travel Operators

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has vowed strict action against unlicensed Umrah travel organisers following an incident where 33 pilgrims were left stranded at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The pilgrims failed to depart as their visas had not been issued by the suspected illegal operator. The ministry has since transferred the affected pilgrims to a licensed provider and reiterated calls for the public to verify the legality of travel agents before booking.

JK, Ma'ruf Amin, and Boediono Attend 2026 Annual and Joint Sessions

Former Indonesian vice presidents Jusuf Kalla, Boediono, and Ma'ruf Amin were among the dignitaries attending the MPR Annual Session and the DPR-DPD Joint Session in Jakarta on Friday. The event, which also drew party leaders and cabinet ministers, was convened for President Prabowo Subianto to deliver a state address and report on the performance of state institutions ahead of the 81st Independence Day celebrations.

President Prabowo, Gibran, and State Officials Attend MPR Annual Session

President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka joined other high-ranking state officials at the MPR Annual Session and Joint Session of the DPR and DPD in Jakarta. The event, held at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, marks the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The session is expected to feature a key address by President Prabowo.

House Member: Danantara Could Drive Economic Growth

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has stated that the newly established sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, could act as a catalyst for quality economic growth through investment and state asset management. The legislator highlighted that the 5.29 percent economic growth in the second quarter of 2026 reflects the impact of national priority programmes. He stressed the need for quality growth that creates jobs, noting that each one percent of economic growth is estimated to generate over 900,000 new employment opportunities.

Megawati absent from MPR Annual Session due to other commitments

Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri missed the MPR Annual Session on Friday due to prior engagements, according to a senior party official. Her attendance at the upcoming Independence Day ceremony at the palace also remains unconfirmed, as she traditionally leads a separate flag ceremony at her party's school. The annual session featured a state address by President Prabowo Subianto and a review of government performance.

Ambassadors from Friendly Nations Attend the 2026 MPR RI Annual Session

Several ambassadors and ministers arrived at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Friday morning for the 2026 MPR Annual Session and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD. The event precedes Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, themed 'Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia'. President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to deliver a speech on the performance of state institutions and a state of the nation address.

IHSG Opens Lower, Poised for Rebound as Wall Street Gains and Asian Markets Trade Mixed

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened slightly lower on Friday but is expected to rebound after holding firm at a key support level. The positive outlook follows gains on Wall Street, driven by lower-than-expected US producer inflation data, while Asian markets showed mixed performance.

Sweetened Beverage Excise Excluded from 2027 State Budget Draft, Says Purbaya

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the planned excise tax on packaged sweetened beverages will not be implemented in 2027, citing the need for a stronger domestic economy. The policy, previously targeted to raise Rp 7 trillion, has been excluded from the 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN) while inter-agency coordination continues.

2026 Annual Session and Joint Session Commences, 629 MPR Members in Attendance

The 2026 Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) began this morning in Jakarta. MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani confirmed that 629 out of 732 members were present, meeting the quorum for the session. President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to deliver a state address and a report on the performance of state institutions during the session, which also marks the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence.

Jokowi, JK, Boediono, Ma'ruf Amin Attend 2026 Annual Session

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo and former Vice Presidents Jusuf Kalla, Boediono, and Ma'ruf Amin attended the 2026 MPR Annual Session in Jakarta. The state event featured a speech by President Prabowo Subianto on the performance of state institutions. The session was part of the 81st Independence Day commemorations under the theme 'A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia'.

DPD Speaker Says President Prabowo Has Prepared a Surprise for MPR Annual Session, Featuring Eight Special Guests

DPD RI Speaker Sultan B. Najamudin revealed that President Prabowo Subianto has prepared a surprise for the MPR Annual Session, involving eight special guests whose identities remain undisclosed. The session, held at the parliament complex in Jakarta, will feature the President's state address and a video showcasing government achievements. Sultan called for national unity as the country commemorates the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence.

Ahmad Dhani hopes state address focuses on Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution

Legislator Ahmad Dhani has expressed hope that the President's state address will inspire the public and reaffirm the government's commitment to implementing Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. The article, which governs the national economy, should remain a cornerstone of national development, he said. Dhani made the remarks ahead of the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly in Jakarta.

Crypto Platform Must Build Member Loyalty, Not Just Ensure Secure Transactions

Indodax, a major Indonesian crypto platform, asserts that user needs have evolved beyond just safe and easy transactions to include engaging experiences that build sustainable loyalty. The company has launched DAX Rewards, a gamification feature that integrates missions and a loyalty system to offer a more interactive experience. Users can earn points through various in-app activities to redeem rewards such as certified Pokémon cards, gadgets, and a Vespa.

Fire at the doorstep: Time to shift from emergency response to governance

As forest and land fires escalate across Indonesia, with over 107,000 hectares burned by August 2026, the focus must shift from reactive firefighting to proactive land management. The El Niño phenomenon is expected to prolong dry conditions, heightening the risk of further devastation. A preventative approach, akin to a gardener's daily care, is essential to protect biodiversity and public health.

629 MPR, DPR, DPD Members Attend Annual Session to Witness Prabowo's Speech

A total of 629 out of 732 members of the Indonesian legislature attended the annual session ahead of Independence Day. The quorum was met, allowing the session to be opened for President Prabowo's state address and performance report.

Singapore Police Bust Illegal Loan Syndicate with 25,000 Cases, Seize Rp 5.2 Billion in Cash

Singaporean authorities have dismantled a major illegal moneylending syndicate responsible for over 25,000 reported cases, arresting 11 suspects. The operation led to the seizure of S$410,000 in cash, along with mobile phones, laptops, and the freezing of bank accounts containing over S$106,000. The suspects face severe penalties under the Moneylenders Act, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and caning.

Hansel Liyanto Elected to Lead PHRI NTT for 2026-2031 Period

Hansel Adrial Liyanto has been elected as the new chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) for East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) for the 2026-2031 period. He aims to expand the association's presence from 8 to all 22 districts/cities in the province, highlighting the need for local government support to establish new branches. Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena emphasised the importance of the hotel and restaurant sector in driving the local economy and promoting synergy with local products.

Trump Imposes Tariffs on Drones and Components

US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing new tariffs on imported drones and their components, citing national security concerns. The tariffs range from 15 to 100 per cent, with the highest rates applied to larger, more sensitive drones, and will be phased in over the coming months. The move aims to bolster the American drone industry and supply chain.

OJK Issues Guidelines for Bank Partnerships with Fintech and E-Commerce

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has released new guidelines for collaboration between banks, fintech firms, and e-commerce platforms. The move aims to expand financial access, particularly for MSMEs, while ensuring prudent governance and consumer protection. The policy was discussed at CNBC Indonesia's Digital Banking Forum 2026.

Betawi Cultural Body Demands Firm Action Over Alleged Religious Blasphemy at Music Festival

The Betawi Consultative Body (Bamus Betawi) has urged law enforcement to act swiftly and decisively against those involved in an alleged religious blasphemy incident at The Sound Project music festival in North Jakarta. The incident involved a challenge to recite a Quranic verse in exchange for alcohol, which the group says deeply offends religious and Betawi cultural values. Police have already named four suspects, with two in custody, but Bamus Betawi is also calling for sanctions against the event organiser and a review of event supervision mechanisms.

Google Abandoned: Reasons Behind the Employee Exodus Revealed

Google is experiencing a wave of departures among top talent, partly driven by a shift in research roles to help the company catch up in the artificial intelligence race. Internal concerns are mounting over the autonomy of its DeepMind laboratory, especially after a leadership change and delays to the latest Gemini model. Executives have reportedly tried to reassure staff that day-to-day operations at DeepMind will remain unchanged.

House Member: Constitutional Court Ruling on Presidential Insult Article Serves as Balancer

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has stated that the Constitutional Court's partial granting of a judicial review on presidential insult articles provides a constitutional balance between protecting the president's personal honour and safeguarding public freedom of speech. The ruling stipulates that such cases can only be prosecuted based on a complaint by the president or vice president. The legislator emphasised that criticism of policy is not an insult and warned against the criminalisation of dissenting voices.

Megawati and SBY Absent from MPR Annual Session, Jokowi Attends

Former presidents Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono were absent from the 2026 MPR Annual Session, while Joko Widodo attended. PDIP cited a prior engagement for Megawati's absence, and SBY is undergoing medical treatment in the United States. President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to deliver the state address at the session.

Day Three of KMP Putri Yasmin SAR: Five Passengers Still Missing

Search and rescue operations for the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry fire in the Lombok Strait have entered their third day, with five passengers still unaccounted for. The joint SAR team has expanded the search area, deploying ships and a helicopter to locate the missing individuals. A discrepancy between the number of passengers and the manifest has been identified as a serious concern.

President Prabowo to Deliver State Address and 2027 State Budget Bill

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to deliver his State Address and present the 2027 State Budget Bill (RAPBN) to the House of Representatives (DPR) on Friday, 14 August 2026. The annual address, brought forward from its usual date due to a Sunday clash, will include a report on state institutions' performance and outline the government's fiscal policy direction. The event, part of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day commemorations, will be secured by over 8,000 unarmed police personnel.

Hundreds of Thousands Flock to Jakarta to Witness President's State Address

During the era of President Soekarno, state addresses were monumental public events that drew hundreds of thousands of citizens to the Merdeka Palace grounds. Soekarno viewed the speech as a personal accountability to the people, meticulously crafting his orations alone for hours. His charismatic delivery and powerful rhetoric made him a magnetic figure, earning him the nickname 'Singa Podium' (Podium Lion).

Ahead of Financial Note, DPR Demands Job Creation

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) is urging the government to ensure that the 5.4% economic growth recorded in the first half of 2026 translates into tangible job creation. Lawmakers are calling for clarity on which sectors are generating employment and are pressing for details on the economic contributions of state-owned enterprises and the Danantara investment body.

President Prabowo to Deliver State Address and Present 2027 State Budget Draft

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to deliver a state address and present the draft 2027 State Budget (RAPBN) along with its financial notes to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the House of Representatives (DPR) on Friday. The state address, originally slated for 16 August, was moved to a working day as the date falls on a Sunday this year. The morning session will feature the state address and performance reports of state institutions, while the afternoon session will focus on the submission of the 2027 budget draft.

Megawati Absent from MPR Annual Session, PDIP Chair Reveals Reasons

Former Indonesian president and PDIP chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri missed the MPR Annual Session and joint DPR-DPD meeting marking the 81st Independence Day. A senior party official stated she had other engagements and would also skip the proclamation ceremony at the presidential palace, opting instead for an event at the party school.

Prabowo Arrives at Parliament Building in Black Suit and Kopiah

President Prabowo Subianto arrived at the Nusantara Building in Jakarta on Friday morning to attend the 2026 MPR Annual Session. He is scheduled to deliver the State Address and present the government's performance report. The event marks a crucial moment ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations.

Service Begins: Four Genera-Z Bakti Winners Start Implementing Village Programmes

Four winning teams from the Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 programme are set to implement their community development proposals in Bakti BCA-assisted tourism villages. The programme, which included a bootcamp phase, aims to equip students from universities such as UGM, Unpad, Unair, and UI with the skills to map local issues and create sustainable impact. BCA's management expressed hope that the initiative will serve as a valuable experience for students while empowering local communities.

Home Ownership Backlog Falls to 12.39 Percent, BPS Reveals Details

Indonesia's home ownership backlog has decreased to 12.39 percent, or 9.29 million households, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The data also shows a decline in the number of households living in uninhabitable dwellings to 24.03 percent. The government is aligning its housing programmes, including a significant increase in self-help housing stimulus, to accelerate the reduction of these backlogs.

DPK Soars 13.13%, Bank Indonesia Says Sharia Financing More Competitive for Corporations

Indonesia's sharia banking industry recorded robust growth in June 2026, with third-party funds rising 13.13% year-on-year to Rp 816 trillion and total financing reaching Rp 720 trillion. Bank Indonesia highlighted that sharia financing is becoming an increasingly strategic and competitive option for corporate investment and expansion. The growth was supported by a 5.5% increase in the halal supply chain and nearly Rp 95 trillion in outstanding corporate sukuk.

Asked About Hopes for Prabowo's Speech, Komeng: The Main Thing is First Place

Senator Alfiansyah 'Komeng' Bustami gave a characteristically humorous response when asked about his expectations for President Prabowo Subianto's speech at the MPR Annual Session. The comedian-turned-politician joked that the most important thing was 'first place' before clarifying that the priority should be the people's concerns.

Student Tragedy and a Warning for Family Communication in the Digital Era

A past tragedy involving a student at UIN Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau serves as a stark reminder of the complex roots of violence and the critical need for stronger support systems. The article argues that while students are often seen as independent adults, they remain in a vulnerable transitional phase where open, empathetic family communication is a vital protective factor. It calls for both families and universities to foster safer, more emotionally connected environments to prevent future tragedies.

Palestine urges US to halt Israeli settler attacks in West Bank

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has called for urgent international and American intervention to stop Israeli settler attacks aimed at annexing Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. The ministry accused Israel of using settlers as a tool for forced displacement and annexation, demanding accountability and sanctions against those responsible. The appeal comes amid a four-day siege of Palestinian homes in Qusra, including one belonging to a family with US citizenship.

Legislator Highlights Vital Role of Prospective Judges in Upholding Law and Justice

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III has emphasised the crucial role of judges in upholding law and justice, following the commission's approval of 14 candidates for the Supreme Court and ad hoc positions. The legislator noted the selected candidates possess the necessary qualifications, competence, and experience. The approval follows a series of selection stages conducted by the Judicial Commission and fit and proper tests.

MPR Deputy Chair Hopes President Delivers Continuation of 8% Growth Roadmap

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno expressed hope that President Prabowo Subianto's state address would reaffirm the government's commitment to achieving 8% economic growth. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono also stated he was looking forward to hearing the president's strategic direction. The president is scheduled to deliver two speeches on Friday, including the presentation of the 2026 State Budget Bill.

Indonesia Surrounded by Gold from Sabang to Merauke, Here's the Evidence

Indonesia possesses vast gold resources, with total primary ore resources reaching 17.24 billion tonnes and reserves of 3.46 billion tonnes, placing it fourth globally. The deposits are spread across the archipelago, with the largest concentrations in Nusa Tenggara and Papua. The government is prioritising the downstream development of gold, aiming to move beyond jewellery and investment uses to supply high-tech industries, including semiconductor manufacturing.

Asian Markets Open Higher, Buoyed by Tech Rally

Asian stock markets opened higher on Friday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street driven by a broad rally in technology shares. Japanese and South Korean tech stocks led the advance, supported by easing oil prices and steady US producer inflation data.

The Soft Power of Indonesian Netizens: From Boycotts to Humanitarian Solidarity

A study examines how Indonesian netizens wield soft power and social capital in the digital sphere, transforming traditional 'gotong royong' values into online collective action. The research highlights the effectiveness of ethical boycotts and rapid digital crowdfunding for humanitarian crises, while also warning of challenges such as cyberbullying. It concludes that strengthening human literacy and critical thinking is essential for civilised digital activism.

Jakarta's Air Quality Ranks Among World's Worst on Friday Morning

Jakarta's air quality was ranked as the fourth worst globally on Friday morning, with an AQI of 170, classified as unhealthy. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is implementing strategies to tackle the pollution, including expanding public transport services and accelerating waste processing facility projects. Governor Pramono Anung has urged residents to use public transport, which is now free for 15 eligible groups.

KAI Maintains Affordable Mobility, Public Transport Helps Public Manage Travel Costs

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is reinforcing the role of public transport in helping citizens manage daily mobility expenses through diverse fare structures. The state-owned operator offers distance-based pricing, government-subsidised PSO schemes, and various discount programmes to ensure affordability for commuters, long-distance travellers, and vulnerable groups. KAI reported a 7.63% increase in long-distance and local train passengers in the first seven months of 2026, reflecting growing reliance on accessible rail services.

Unearthing the Legacy of R.H.O. Djoenaidi: From the Press to Pesantren

R.H.O. Djoenaidi, a wealthy merchant from Tasikmalaya, played a crucial yet overlooked role in Indonesia's independence movement by funding the influential newspaper Pemandangan. His contributions extended beyond journalism, including a significant land waqf that established the Darul Fallah agricultural pesantren in Bogor. This article traces his journey from religious studies in Mecca to becoming a key financial backer of the nationalist press and a patron of Islamic education.